Phoenix - Attorney General Terry Goddard announced today the indictment of John Alden Adkisson for one count of Fraudulent Schemes, and 14 counts of Theft. Mr. Adkisson, a former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) agent, is accused of taking over $45,000 in payment for immigration services, but provided no services.

Along with the criminal charges, the Attorney General’s Office last year also filed a civil lawsuit under the Consumer Fraud Act alleging that Mr. Adkisson used his “expertise” and his background working for the INS to provide immigrants with immigration services. The civil lawsuit also alleges that Mr. Adkisson failed to assist the people who hired him for his services to obtain legal citizenship, and refused to communicate with the victims.

Mr. Adkisson appeared Feb. 12 in Maricopa County Superior Court after his arrest. He is being held on a $106,200 bond. If convicted and sentenced on all counts, Mr. Adkisson could face a minimum sentence of 44.25 years to a maximum of 188.75 years in prison. Assistant Attorney General Adrian P. Fontes is assigned to this case.